Kelty

At Kelty, pranks on the boss, bring your pet to work day, and working with the sound turned up aren’t perks for our crew, they’re our daily “jams.” The whole “work hard to play hard” thing is actually reversed for us. Here, playing outside is WHY we’re here. In 1952, Dick Kelty turned his passion for the outdoors into something big -- backpacks that made it easier to get out and PLAY. Inspired by his love for hiking the Sierras, Dick crafted lightweight, trail-tested packs in his garage, while his wife, Nena, sewed them up in the kitchen. That first year? 29 packs, $678.85, and one wild idea that would change outdoor adventure forever. While others stuck with heavy wood and canvas, Dick pushed boundaries using nylon fabrics, aluminum frames, padded shoulder straps, and waist belts. Simple yet genius upgrades redefined comfort. His mission? Make backpacking accessible, fun, and BUILT TO LAST. By the 1960s, Kelty gear was summiting Everest and exploring Antarctica’s tallest peaks, becoming the gold standard for outdoor adventurers worldwide.